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Location notes

Located on the East Coast Main Line 4.5 miles north of Grantham and 1.25 miles south of Frinkley Lane crossing. The site was formerly the Barkston station (closed to passengers on 16 March 1955). Nothing remains of the station except the former station house.

Railway type and traffic

DB Schenker, GBRf freight and passenger trains by East Coast and Hull Trains as well as Central Trains services to/from Boston and Skegness. Barkston South junction is visible from the location. Also, in the opposite direction about a quarter of a mile away, can be seen the Grantham avoiding line.

Environment

A quiet rural location with little noise except some traffic from the nearby road and occasional light aircraft passing overhead. No shelter here, so if on foot, waterproofs or/and umbrella advisable!

Road directions

On leaving Grantham, follow A607 (in the direction of Sleaford and Lincoln) for approximately four miles. On passing Syston village, just off the main road) look for the turning on the left (a directional sign shows it as a route to Marston). Follow this C class road (Sand Lane) for approximately 1.25 miles and after passing under the ECML bridge, a short distance on to the left is a driveway which heads back towards the ECML.. After a sharp turn left, follow this for a short distance and park at the top of the short incline near to the fence.

There is ample space at the location for parking. Please do not park on the road itself as this is used occasionally for farm access.

Public transport

On weekdays a bus service (The Number 1 route) operates between Lincoln (Bus Station) and Grantham (Bus Station) most of the day. Alight at Barkston Green. Walk a short distance to the junction with the busy A607. Adjacent to the left is Sand Lane (signposted as a route to Marston). Cross the road and walk down this for about 1.25 miles. Unfortunately there is no pavement and the road is moderately busy for a minor road. A well as cars, occasional tractors and sceptic tank lorries. A very gentle gradient, but the countryside is quite pleasant! As the ECML is in view, a driveway off to the left leads to the former station house. Continue down the minor road and under the bridge which carries the ECML. A short distance on is a driveway on the left heading towards the ECML. Follow this to the top (another slight gradient).

The Stag pub is in the centre of the village (by The Green, and close to the bus stop. It opens lunchtimes and evenings. A little further up the minor road towards the church is a Post Office/Shop. On the main road heading north is a large garage which also has a shop.

Sun Compass

Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Barkston

Note from Richard Labrum, June 2014:On visiting the site in June 2014, I found that a recently erected wire fence now surrounds the viewing area that ruins most Southbound rail shots. There are still two areas that allow the northbound line to be photographed unhindered.

The location is just set back slightly from the 'down line' (no access on the 'up line' side). The ECML is roughly North to South at this point so location is probably best from mid-day onwards for position of sun. Bright sunshine will be good for southbound trains, slight cloud will also be helpful for photographing northbound ones. A bridge number sign is slightly intrusive for photographing southbound trains, but does give photographs a sense of location! The junction for the Skegness branch is close by and a slight zoom emphasizes the gradient from East Junction. Note that at this point, Skegness bound Central trains use the 'up' on the ECML! With a good zoom it is possible to capture images of trains (usual Central trains dmus and the occasional Boston freight) on the Grantham avoiding line in the opposite direction. There is some noise from traffic on the nearby road, and on my visit, also light aircraft overhead.

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